Settle in, take a look around and be astonished. In the restaurant, in the Swiss stone pine relaxation room or in the panoramic sauna in the spa area, at the new outdoor pool, in the garden and in every room and suite - an incomparable panoramic view stretches out everywhere: from the valley floor of the Vinschgau Valley to the Ötztal Alps and the Ortler Group. The sun rises over the peaks at dawn and the lights sparkle in the night sky and in the valley. And in between, the mountain world is literally at your feet. Set in an absolutely superb location on a sun-drenched southerly facing slope above Burgeis, every nook and cranny of the four-star superior Hotel DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat reveals views that are as hard to leave behind as the warm, down-to-earth hospitality of the owner family Gerstl. Guests can now enjoy this panorama even more intensively as a result of extensive construction work. This not only involved expanding the garden and the Venosta Spa, but also adding a second all-year-round heated infinity pool with views overlooking the Vinschgau mountains and another whirlpool bath to the outdoor facilities. The range of suites has also become even more exclusive: Four elegant, new Panoramic Spa Suites with a whirlpool bath on the private terrace along with a new 60-square-metre Pool Suite with its own infinity pool and whirlpool bath, a large veranda as well as a private garden provide the perfect vantage points for the most beautiful mountain views. Round, comfortable double beds draped in natural cotton also ensure the best conditions for relaxation in these luxurious suites. Traffic in front of the hotel has been hidden from view by a newly built road gallery ensuring that nothing interferes with the unique panorama. This means that guests can concentrate fully on nature. Outdoors is the place to be in summer, with hiking routes, mountain bike trails and historic paths along water irrigation channels. Winter sees perfectly groomed slopes awaiting downhill skiers in five nearby ski resorts. Guests can also experience the magic of mountain winter on snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski trails and ski tours. Despite their love of innovation, the Gerstl family also rely on what is tried and tested. The cuisine of the restaurant, which is regionally orientated and draws its products from the surrounding area with the aim of supporting the farmers in the valley, and protecting the environment with short transport routes, is already a tradition. Indeed, once a week on R30 Day, all ingredients are sourced from within a maximum radius of thirty kilometres. This philosophy is also something that goes beyond the culinary delights. Building materials are sourced from the surrounding area wherever possible and are skilfully and traditionally crafted by local artisans. The cosmetic products are also made from regional ingredients. What's more, almost all of the staff come from within a radius of just 30 kilometres.